"It's freedom in architecture," said Brazilian architecture student Anthony Ling of his concept, which, according to Seasteading Institute judges, "creates the best sense of human influence or presence" of all the design-contest entries.

"Freedom" here refers, at least in part, to constant reconfiguring made possible by the modular nature of the building units, four busy cranes, and plentiful docking options.

The human element is addressed by a mixed-use plan--homes, offices, hotels, and retail shops--and the under-building stilts, which allow for plentiful, green social space.